Faking it, Barbie & Cheating the Sun......

With the sun firmly refusing to put his hat on and the summer zooming away at an alarming speed nothing cheers us girls (and some boys!) like a splash of fake tan. Over the years I have used many brands from the cheap to the expensive and everything in-between. While some brands are better than others there is no arguing that prepping is crucial for the ultimate tanning finish. Hair removal should be completed 24 hours before to enable the pores to close. If you're worried about open pores on the face, use a  gentle facial exfoliator that cleans and helps seal the pores. Otherwise apply an ice cold flannel to the face for a few minutes first. A must do tip is to free the skin of any older self tan and the remnants of any oil based products. A hot soak and exfoliation is ideal, then avoid any body moisturiser to keep the skin like a clear canvas, so that the tan can cling evenly. Always clean your teeth before self tanning to avoid water or toothpaste reacting with tan at the side of the mouth. Remember you don't want your tan wet for at least eight hours.

Even if you're super confident applying your own self tan, always apply the same preparation tips, it really makes a difference I promise! Tie your hair back and apply a small amount of barrier cream carefully over the eyebrows (Superdrug do a brilliant SFV one). Blonds and fair heads should also apply a little around the hairline to avoid staining, as white bleach blonde this is an essential step.

The best application is with a mitt however if you are experienced and through use your hands but ensure to wash them well after.

When it comes to keeping the colour looking natural and hydrated, always stick to cool showers and press the skin dry with your towel. Then moisturise generously with an oil free moisturiser. I like the ESPA oil free moisturiser.  

Contouring your tan on the body is a must if you'll be showing arms and shoulders in a strapless dress. An extra layer of product on top of your existing colour should be applied sparingly from the top of the shoulder and dragged under the arms. A trusted mousse from  Superdrugs own range applied with a tanning mitt helps make this easy and effective."

If by any chance there are any unwanted signs of tan - perhaps on the palms, wrists, heals etc - a great tip is to use a little olive oil on a cotton pad. This helps fade down the colour.

But by far my favourite cruelty free vegan fake tan is Lavera Self-Tanning Lotion which gives skin a natural looking even tan. The natural and organic tanning ingredients develops into a sun kissed, streak free, radiant look after approximately 4 to 5 hours. Not only does the self-tanning lotion give a beautiful fake tan, but also contains moisturising and nourishing ingredients of organic macadamia, organic jojoba and organic shea butter to keep skin soft and smooth. Lavera Self-Tanning Lotion can be used on sensitive skin thanks to the calming ingredients of calendula and aloe vera and smells nice too!